Prepare for the first weekend of spring in Astana and Almaty, where a diverse range of events awaits. In Astana, immerse yourself in a vibrant tradeshow showcasing stylish designs and experience the nostalgia of Kazakh-translated episodes of the legendary Aaang series. Don't miss the chance to experience award-winning films at the Annual Francophonie Spring Festival. Almaty will be dazzled by dancers at the Charity Dance Battle for a charitable cause. Erkin Alekseev will guide you into the rich cultural traditions of the Sakha people.
Discover these and more events in the digest by QazMonitor below.
Astana
Koktem Fest at Sal-Seri Gallery
Step into spring with fresh styles and patterns to embrace the elevating energy of the new season. The tradeshow offers a time and space to connect people with creators representing a collective of brands. Whether you are looking for table candles, designer jewelry, vintage clothing, unique handmade linens, ceramics, and other goodies, you will certainly find a suitable item to reflect your unique identity or evoke a fresh start.
Date: March 2-3, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Address: Sal-Seri Gallery, Heydar Aliyev Street 10/1
Entrance: Free
Avatar: The Last Airbender dub screening in Kazakh (made by QialDub and AniDybys)
Besides simply being a Nickelodeon show geared towards kids full of humor, action and drama, the legend of Aaang takes viewers into a complex world of war and questions of spirituality. The guys from QialDub and AniDybys translated the first five episodes of the series into Kazakh and invite you to watch them together and possibly ignite the first memorable experience, nostalgia and discussion about the show in the first days of spring.
NOTE: purchase electronic tickets through a specified contact on QialDub’s Instagram
Date: March 2, 2:00 p.m. and March 3, 6:00 p.m.
Address: OQY bookstore, Turan 34a
Entrance: ₸5000 (as of March 1, 2024, $11.07)
Francophone Film week
The annual Francophonie Spring Festival introduces its Film Week Segment offering viewers to immerse into award-winning foreign cinema and film. The selection of this weekend will screen Anatomy of the Fall (Anatomie d'une chute, dir: Justice Triet), a family moral dilemma that received Palm d’Or of the Cannes Festival in 2023) and Four Daughters (بنات ألفة, dir: Kaouther Ben Hania), a mix of documentary and fiction rotating around a woman who lost her daughters.
NOTE: all screenings will be held in the original language with subtitles in Russian
Dates:
March 2, 7:00 p.m. - Anatomy of the Fall
March 3, 7:00 p.m. - Four Daughters
Address: Kinopark 6, Keruen City Mall, Qorghalzhyn Highway 1
Entrance: ₸1500 ($3.32)
Almaty
Charity Dance Battle
Get ready for the exhilarating Charity Dance Battle, where dancers showcase their skills in waacking, popping and hip hop. The event is organized all for a good cause and in support of our furry friends at the “New Chance” animal shelter.
NOTE: to take part in the competition register through the official form provided by the event organizers
Date: March 3, 1:00 p.m.
Address: SKILLZ DANCE STUDIO, Microdistrict 7, 13B
Entrance: Free for audience, ₸2000 ($4.43) for participants of the competition
Start of the Series of Conversations on the Sakha People with Erkin Alekseev
Native to North Siberia, the Sakha people are defined by a rich cultural heritage with traditions, language, art, and customs. Join an insightful discussion with Erkin Alekseev exploring their nomadic lifestyle and understanding the nuances of the fascinating world of Sakha.
NOTE: Meetings will take place every Saturday for 9 weeks.
Date: March 2, 2:00 p.m.
Address: Dump Gallery, Panfilov Street 101
Entrance: Free
NeuroKazakhstan exhibition
Experience an alternative portrayal of Kazakhstan's landscapes, architecture, and cuisine through the lens of artificial intelligence. The project is culminated by the thought-provoking Digital Evolution film and an interactive quest while discovering the exhibition.
NOTE: the price includes the quest, immersion film, and audio guide in Kazakh, Russian, and English languages
Date: from January 20 to March 30, doors are open between 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: Central Exhibition Hall, Zheltoksan Street 137
Entrance: ₸1000-3000 ($2.21-6.64)
Free for children under 7, disabled people (category I and II), veterans of the Great Patriotic War
